Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Open and honest; without deception or hidden motives: Describes actions, dealings, or people that are completely straightforward and legitimate.
   • Legitimate and fair: Conforming to accepted standards of honesty and transparency.

2. Adverb:

   • In an honest and open manner: Performing an action with complete transparency and without deceit.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The negotiations were completely aboveboard. (The negotiations were entirely honest and transparent.)
  • We need to ensure all transactions are aboveboard. (We need to ensure all transactions are legitimate and open.)

• Adverb:

  • He always conducts his business aboveboard. (He always runs his business in an honest manner.)
  • The contract was negotiated aboveboard. (The contract was negotiated openly and fairly.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be completely aboveboard": To be entirely honest and transparent, leaving no room for doubt.
  • The investigation proved that the entire process was completely aboveboard.
• "Keep things aboveboard": To ensure all activities remain honest and open.
  • It's important to keep everything aboveboard to maintain public trust.

Variants and Related Words

• Above-board (adj/adv): An alternative hyphenated spelling with the same meaning.
  • Their dealings have always been above-board.

Synonyms

• Honest: Truthful and sincere.
• Straightforward: Direct and without complication or deceit.
• Transparent: Open and clear, allowing all details to be seen.
• Legitimate: Conforming to the law or rules; genuine.

Antonyms

• Underhanded: Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way.
• Deceitful: Guilty of or involving deception.
• Sneaky: Furtive or behaving in a secret and dishonest way.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Open and aboveboard: This common phrase combines "open" with "aboveboard" for emphasis on total honesty.
  • I assure you, my intentions are open and aboveboard.

Adjective

1. without concealment or deception; honest
   • their business was open and aboveboard
   • straightforward in all his business affairs

Adverb

1. in an honest manner
   • in he can't get it honestly, he is willing to steal it
   • was known for dealing aboveboard in everything